4 Alternatives to Wood Flooring

By Buying, Home & Garden, Real Estate, Selling September 3, 2019

While nothing quite beats the quality and allure of hardwood flooring in a home, it is one of the most expensive options, and many varieties are difficult and costly to maintain. If you’re looking for the feel of hardwood, but not the price tag or the upkeep involved, here are four options that might do the trick:

1. Laminate wood flooring. Laminate consists of layers of particleboard with a sealed photographic layer on top. A good quality laminate can often pass for wood both in terms of how it looks and feels. That is why the price can vary from quite affordable to pricey for more high-end varieties. The installation process is the same as a wood floor, with each board joined through a tongue and groove joint. Keep in mind that while laminate is more durable than hardwood, if it is damaged, it cannot be sanded down and repaired the way actual wood can.

2. Engineered wood flooring. Very similar to laminate in that it is made of layers, the difference with engineered wood flooring is that the top layer is a thin layer of actual wood, and the underlying layers are made of plywood. This means that engineered wood can indeed be sanded down, but only once or twice during the lifetime of the floor. So while hardwood floors can last for generations, engineered wood floors have a finite lifespan of about 20 years when taken care of. Also, when it comes to cleaning, the process is the same for hardwood, so don’t expect to save any time there.

3. Wood tile flooring. Perfect for bathrooms where humidity could cause the wood to warp, ceramic or porcelain wood tiles look just like wood, provided the grout lines are kept extremely thin. Environmentally sustainable and less expensive than hardwood, be careful not to drop anything on wood tiles, which could cause it to crack or chip.

4. Vinyl wood flooring. Finally, vinyl wood flooring, which is 100-percent plastic, can sometimes look just like wood, but not always. Completely resistant to moisture, it’s a great choice for bathrooms and laundry rooms. It’s also cost effective and easy to clean.

So evaluate your room and your budget, and choose wisely!

Source: Real Simple

About the Author
Greg DiGiorgio, Arlington MA Realtor

Greg DiGiorgio is a highly reviewed Arlington MA Realtor who is a dedicated, passionate, and market-savvy professional who puts his clients’ satisfaction before all else. His attention to detail, superior people skills, broad knowledge of the real estate industry as a whole, and his pure determination to indulge his clients with first class service sets him apart. In addition to Greg being an Accredited Buyers Representative-ABR, he understands the power of creative, well-organized and highly effective marketing and offers customized marketing plans that maximize property exposure to the most qualified buyers. He has appeared several times on Fox 25 News where he was interviewed on current market trends and conditions. A real estate transaction is really about managing people, their desires and their finances. It is an intricate and consequential negotiation.


Greg understands that it is important to secure not only the most able buyer, but also to the one that is most likely to close the deal. When so much is at stake, Greg is the one you want to represent you. His fair yet aggressive negotiating style and protectiveness of his clients’ best interests and ultimately, their assets, has gained his respect with colleagues and clients alike.


Greg also knows that every transaction represents the most important purchase or sale a person can make, and he takes every precaution to ensure that communication is impeccable with all parties involved from beginning to end. Whether it’s patiently guiding first time buyers through this exciting process or following through with clients’ needs long after the transaction is over, Greg’s warm, caring yet efficient business style will turn you into a client for life.


Driven


Greg grew up in the Greater Boston area and has a deep appreciation for the North East way of life. He attended The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, with a concentration in Marketing Research. Greg’s professional background is rooted in the technology sales & marketing. As a result, he learned to adapt to many different people and situations quickly and competitively. The insight that he has gained from many years of involvement in bringing all components of a transaction together smoothly has granted him a unique perspective and approach to the real estate industry. His enthusiasm and tenacity has allowed him to emerge as one of Greater Boston’s finest Realtors, and one of the highest reviewed amongst Arlington MA Realtors!


My Goal


My goal is to provide the best experience possible to my clients while helping them achieve their real estate goals. My streamline systems and use of technology ensure a smooth ride along the way. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, a seller, or investor, I strive to gain lifelong clients and friends by providing them with a fun, relaxing, but yet educational experience throughout the entire process.


Objectives for my Buyer Clients


Counsel session to determine wants & needsSchedule times to view properties

Run comparable analysis report for subject property

Help negotiate terms of the offer

Provided options for home inspectors

Help negotiate & finalize terms of Purchase & Sale Agreement

Assist in finalizing finances with Mortgage Broker

Handle any other paperwork and/or tasks including meeting mortgage commitment deadlines to making sure the transaction closes on time.

I keep an open door policy with all my clients even after the sale should they have any questions, or need help with any of their real estate needs. The closing of a real estate transaction is not the end, but just the beginning of a relationship.


Objectives for my Seller Clients


Listen carefully to make sure your goals and objectives are clearly understood

Explain the home selling process thoroughly

Discuss agency relationship

Price your home accurately

Stage your home for sale

Plan & implement a proven & innovative marketing plan

Work diligently to sell your home quickly and efficiently

Follow up with open house leads & showing brokers to obtain feedback

Work hard to ensure that each step of the transaction is running smoothly

To ensure that all smoke & carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working correctly, and to obtain certificate from town/city

To obtain final payoff for city/town water bill

“Most Importantly to communicate with you consistently and efficiently throughout the entire home selling process”

Certifications and Recognitions


Winner of Leading Edge Real Estate’s Outstanding Creative Marketing Award. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR)

Member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM)

Licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Broker

Member of Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB)

Member of National Association of REALTORS (NAR)

Zoning & Building Codes Certificate

Residential New Construction Certificate

Title V Certificate